Desert Orchid: Story of a Champion

by JonathanPowell (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1989

  $3.85

  This book looks at the career of Desert Orchid, arguably the greatest horse in steeplechasing since Red Rum. The book examines the last seven years of his career, up to and including his 27th and most celebrated success in the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Besides that Gold Cup triumph, Desert Orchid has won the King George VI Chase twice, the Gainsborough Chase and the Whitbread Gold Cup. The book looks at these victories while outlining Desert Orchid's story, and is illustrated with 40 colour photographs. The author's previous books include A Champion's Story and Monksfield . He is the racing correspondent of the Sunday Express .

• Used

  Paperback
  1990

  $3.29

  By the winter of 1989 Desert Orchid, the handsome grey steeplechaser with the almost tangible will to win, had become more a national institution than a racehorse. He finished fourth in the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year Award, and when it was learned that his name would appear among the entries for the Grand National, polls were conducted by newspapers to decide if he should be allowed to run. Sheer force of public opinion persuaded the Burridge family to withdraw Desert Orchid. He suffered an unexpected reverse in the Cheltenham Gold Cup but ended the season triumphantly again by winning the Irish Grand National by 12 lengths. He is the only jumper to have earned over #500,000.